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STEM Activities for Your Classroom

Build and test a model house for energy efficiency and solar heat gain

Grade Level: Middle or High School

Subject: Engineering, Physics, Physical Science, or Environmental Science

Requires probeware:

Use a light bulb heater to imitate a real furnace and a temperature sensor to monitor and regulate the internal temperature of the house. Use a bright bulb in a gooseneck lamp to model sunlight at different times of the year, and test the effectiveness of windows for passive solar heating.

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A similar lesson for other ideas and procedures. Take a look at the comments under the activity for more information.

Connecting to the 3 Dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards

Plan this unit to integrate NGSS Practices as your students explore the phenomenon of squirrel color or squirrel behavior.

The NGSS Practices

  1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
  2. Developing and using models
  3. Planning and carrying out investigations
  4. Analyzing and interpreting data
  5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
  6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
  7. Engaging in argument from evidence
  8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
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